ALWAYS READY.

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 190, 1 November 1927, Page 6

ALWAYS READY.

CLOSED-IN CARS. “LACK” OF VENTILATION. The saloon is the typical car of today and of the future. It is preferred bv many owner-drivers because it is always >eady for use in all weathers and keeps a reasonably smart appearance with a minimum of attention. Its interior display is more attractive than an open car, and it makes a special appeal to women whose choice influences to a great extent the sale of the majority of the cars purchased. The chief criticism which is levelled against the saloon is its lack of ventilation. Its defects in this direction -.re not so alarming as might be supposed from the opinions expressed by fresh-air enthusiasts, but nevertheless there is room for improvement in many bodies. Ventilation should be regarded as ot the same importance as other factors of comfort, such as the design of the seats or the elimination of noise ana rattle. . The amount of ventilation requiiea is, more or less, a matter of individual temperament. Some travellers seem to thrive in and enjoy an atmosphere which is regarded as stuffy and msutferable by others, hut two persons whose preference in this direction differ widely can travel with equal pleasure in the same car if adequate ventilation is provided automatically and at the right temperature. The front part of the body should be permanently well ventilated without having to open the main windows, and the screen, whether adjustable or fixed, should have a ventilator above it. The ventilation as well as the observational value of a saloon is considerably improved if the front part of the roof is made to open. If the roof is fitted with a fixed or hinged glass window this is liable to raise the temperature of the car on a hot day, so thAt it should be fitted with a blind, the best type being an outside one of waterproof material. ... .. . As an additional means of ventilating the front of the body an air outlet above the window of the front doors is very effective. Modern design leaves no room between the door top and cant rail for any ventilator, so that if one is to lie provided here it must lie below the top line of the door. A similar device may be fitted to the rear doors. A well-designed saloon is one which is not merely pleasing to the eye and has luxurious scats, but a car which, provided with a scheme of ventilation, gives satisfaction under all conditions ©I travel.